Used 2021 Lincoln Nautilus for Sale nearDurham, NC

How much does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus cost?

Prices have softened 12.54% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,015 listings available, which suggests a healthy amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8.2/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Technology.

Owners consistently praise its luxurious feel, quiet cabin, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. The easy-to-use tech and upscale daily-driver character also come through strongly in owner feedback.

The main trade-offs are poor handling and sluggish touchscreen response, along with poor value for money. Even so, the Nautilus fits you well if you want a comfortable, refined luxury SUV rather than a sporty one.

The model’s 33.7% good and great deal share suggests there are still worthwhile listings to find.

Is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owner feedback points to a reliable, trouble-free, and comfortable ownership experience, with many drivers highlighting the Nautilus as a vehicle they enjoy for the long haul. The expert review also emphasizes its pleasant, composed driving character and its easygoing nature in everyday use.

The 2.0-liter engine and FWD setup are described as the most efficient configuration, and the model’s long list of standard features adds to its everyday dependability. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about making sure the specific vehicle has been cared for properly.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any listing you’re considering, even if the market looks clean overall. Prioritize a thorough inspection of the cabin tech, touchscreen operation, and backup camera quality, since those are the kinds of features you’ll use every day. It also makes sense to focus on overall condition and equipment level, because the Nautilus’ appeal depends heavily on comfort and feature content.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Standard trim already brings 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, a power rear liftgate, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, remote start, remote keyless entry, four USB ports, satellite radio, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The Standard I sub-trim adds genuine leather upholstery and onboard navigation, while Reserve adds a hands-free power liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, wireless device charging, a premium stereo, and ambient cabin lighting. Black Label adds a twin-turbo V6, AWD, 21-inch wheels, adaptive suspension, a 19-speaker premium stereo, smartphone-activated vehicle access, adaptive headlights, and the most comprehensive driver-assistance package.
• Powertrain: The standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, with FWD standard and AWD available. A twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 makes 355 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, and it comes standard on Black Label while being optional on Reserve. Both engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
• Safety package: The standard CoPilot360 package includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available upgrades include adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, surround-view parking monitor, and adaptive headlights. Black Label gets the most comprehensive driver-assistance feature set.
• Infotainment: The Nautilus uses a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen with high-definition graphics, a sensible menu layout, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and no proprietary controller. Available wireless charging adds convenience, and the system is designed to be easy to learn.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.0-liter engine with FWD returns 21 mpg city, 26 highway, and 23 combined. With AWD, it returns 20 mpg city, 25 highway, and 22 combined. The 2.7-liter AWD setup returns 19 mpg city, 25 highway, and 21 combined.

Which 2021 Lincoln Nautilus trim should I buy?

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus is offered in 3 trim levels: Standard, Reserve, and Black Label.

Here's the short version:

• Standard: This is the best-value choice if you want the Nautilus’ core luxury experience without stretching the budget. You still get a strong list of standard comfort, tech, and safety features, including the large touchscreen, digital gauge cluster, and wireless smartphone integration.
• Reserve: This is the trim to target if you want the best balance of luxury and equipment. It adds meaningful upgrades like leather, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and a premium audio system.
• Black Label: This is the pick if you want the most upscale Nautilus possible, with the twin-turbo V6, AWD, adaptive suspension, and the most complete feature set. It makes sense if you want maximum comfort and equipment rather than the lowest price.

The standard CoPilot360 safety package gives you a strong baseline, while Black Label brings the most comprehensive driver-assistance feature set.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Lincoln Nautilus?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,015 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.54% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $25,337, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus's resale value?

The current average of $25,419 sits slightly below last year's $29,062.

That price decline means future sellers may face a softer market than owners saw a year ago. If you buy now, you’re entering at a lower average price point, which can help reduce depreciation pressure compared with a stronger market. The Nautilus’ appeal as a comfortable, well-equipped luxury SUV should still support demand, especially for clean examples with desirable equipment.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus safe?

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The standard CoPilot360 suite includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available upgrades add adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, surround-view parking monitor, and adaptive headlights that bend with the road.

One caveat is that the standard backup camera is low-quality, especially in low-light situations. That makes it worth checking camera performance during your test drive, particularly if you expect to rely on parking aids often.

Should I buy a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.54% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 model emphasizes easy-to-use tech and a plush, quiet luxury feel.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $29,549, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $25,419 average.
• It adds a more polished, gracefully aged take on the same comfort-first formula.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2021 is the smarter starting point because it combines a lower average price with strong owner satisfaction and solid deal availability. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer model-year example, the 2022 is the secondary path to consider.

How does the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus compare to the 2021 Ford Edge?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Lincoln Nautilus:

• Pros: Stylish design, Premium interior materials, Impressive technology.
• Cons: Poor handling, Sluggish touchscreen response, Poor value for money.

2021 Ford Edge:

• Pros: Multiple powertrain options, Comfortable, Spacious.
• Cons: Poor handling, Outdated technology, Poor value for money.

Our experts score the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus 8.2/10 and the 2021 Ford Edge 7.2/10. The Nautilus is the better pick if you care most about upscale design, premium materials, and stronger technology. The Edge counters with more powertrain variety, a lower average used price, and a larger listing pool, but it trails on interior polish and tech sophistication.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.